Shanghai Disney opens its doors with a distinct Chinese focus

It's been 25 years in the making, with Shanghai Disney finally opening its doors after ruthless negotiations and $5.5billion joint venture.

Joining with whom? To seal the deal, super brand Disney have had to please the Communist Party, who have laid the law in every decision when it comes to the new theme park.

And it shows, with the park being "distinctly Chinese" so that the expected 15 million people who visit the park in its first year "feel like it's theirs".

These are the words used over and over by Disney CEO Bob Iger.

But when it comes to the park, what does it mean? Well, a lot of attractions such as Space Mountain, the Jungle Cruise and It's a Small World have all been cut over concerns they would reek of cultural imperialism.

Instead, 80 percent of the rides are unique to the park, which is said to have pleased the state-owned Shanghai Shendi Group, who are co-owners of the site with Disney.

Also, shows have all been tweaked by Chinese artists and the food on offer is different to any other Disney found around the world. There's also the Wandering Moon Teahouse, which is dedicated to Chinese poets.

Ultimately, the only way Disney were going to get the site approved is by working with the city's new Communist Party boss, Yu Zhengsheng.

And the government has approved every ride, wanting to ensure the new park appealed to both adults as well as children, as well as dictating the price for visitors.

The usuals are in place, like the Magic Kingdom and its manicured lawns, a Toy Story-themed hotel and Mickey Avenue shopping arcade.

But there's a lot of differences.

However, it's no surprise the US company have bent over backwards to ensure the new park opened in Shanghai. It's expected to be their biggest investment.

Locating the park in the Chinese city gives themaccess to a local population of 330 million, as well as two international airports. In 2014, 19 million visited Disney World in Orlando.